Last February, after the members of “Muhandojeon” challenged F1, many people were interested in F1. The members had to go to Malaysia to film the program since there was no F1 circuit in Korea at that time. Now, you can see F1 in Korea. The F1 circuit finally was built in Yeongam, and the F1 Grand Prix was already held last month. CBT visited Yeongam to see the Korea International Circuit and other spectacles. -Ed
 

 F1(Formula One World Championship)
 The Olympics, the World Cup, and Formula One(F1) are regarded as the 3 big sporting events of the world. However, F1 is not popular in Korea.
 Formula car racing is an international motor sport. It is classified into three grades(F1, F3000, F3), and the F1 shows off the fastest speeds among the motor sports. F1 machines can reach a maximum of 350km/h. This speed is similar to when a plane takes off.
 All of the hosts of the Olympics and the World Cup had held F1 Grand Prix events except Korea. However, Korea finally built an F1 circuit, so Korea held the F1 in Asia after Japan, Malaysia, China, Bahrain, and Singapore.
 An F1 circuit needs a large tract of land and enormous funds, so there was much trouble preparing for the Korea Grand Prix. However, Korea was barely able to reclaim the necessary land of 1.2 million pyeong and raise sufficient funds. By holding the F1, Korea is expected to improve its national status as well as gain economical profit. For example, China recollected the investment expenses within three years and earns enormous profits annually.


Korea International Circuit
 It was a near miracle to build the Korea International Circuit(KIC) in Yeongam. The F1 circuits were built by Toyota Honda in Japan, by the oil company Petronas in Malaysia, and by the central government in China. However, the F1 circuit of Yeongam was built by the civil organizations of Jeollanam-do and KAVO(Korea Auto Vally Operation) without the help of any companies or central government.
 Despite a lack of support, Yeongam finally made the longest circuit in Asia of 5.6km, as well as the 2nd largest track in the world. However, people interested in F1 were worried that the track wouldn't be able to withstand the weight of the machines and would cave in. In spite of that, there were been no trouble with the track yet.
 
 

 Scandals in Kurim(鳩林)
 There are also places that we can calm beating hearts, after enjoying the thrilling speeds. "Kurim Traditional Village," where 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' was filmed, is located in the center of Yeongam. In this place, there are not only Korean traditional houses, 'Hanok,' but also various exhibit halls. 'Yeongam Pottery Museum' sells pottery, made of ocher, and provides chances where people can make pottery. Also, "Doctor Wangin's Historic Site" is located near the entrance of the village. "Doctor Wangin" had lived in the Baikje Dynasty, and he enlightened Japan by delivering Korean books and artworks. To praise his achievements, even Japan designated his cemetery as a historical landmark of Osaka(No. 13). He mainly delivered Korean paper, 'Hanji,' so "Wangin Korean Traditional Paper Craft Gallery" was built to celebrate his achievements. On November 21st, 'Yeongam Wangin Chrysanthemum Festival' will open, so CBT recommends you to go there.